While city cops and firefighters participated in a much-touted terror drill at a Manhattan subway station Sunday, several EMTs griped that it was a farce as far as their unit is concerned — because it’s still nearly impossible for them to communicate underground.
“The Fire Department is gloating, saying, ‘We’re ready for it, and we can handle everything,’ but they really aren’t,” said a frustrated EMT who questioned how the three-hour drill among the NYPD, FDNY and Department of Homeland Security could be successful in a real terror scenario given the weak radio signals. “Our radios do not work underground,” he said. “If there’s an attack, we’re all screwed.”
First responders of all stripes have had problems using their radios when responding to calls at underground subway stations over the years. But at least the NYPD and FDNY have made improvements to their underground systems since 9/11.
NYPD transit cops now use special radios that allow them to communicate with their commanders and regular precinct cops who are above ground.
And FDNY firefighters either use signal repeaters to be able to use their radios or a relay system where several firefighters will be assigned to different parts of the station, including near the stairwell, allowing the signal to reach their superiors above.